4 research outputs found
Special relativity with two invariant scales: Motivation, Fermions, Bosons, Locality, and Critique
We present a Master equation for description of fermions and bosons for
special relativities with two invariant scales, SR2, (c and lambda_P). We
introduce canonically-conjugate variables (chi^0, chi) to (epsilon, pi) of
Judes-Visser. Together, they bring in a formal element of linearity and
locality in an otherwise non-linear and non-local theory. Special relativities
with two invariant scales provide all corrections, say, to the standard model
of the high energy physics, in terms of one fundamental constant, lambda_P. It
is emphasized that spacetime of special relativities with two invariant scales
carries an intrinsic quantum-gravitational character. In an addenda, we also
comment on the physical importance of a phase factor that the whole literature
on the subject has missed and present a brief critique of SR2. In addition, we
remark that the most natural and physically viable SR2 shall require
momentum-space and spacetime to be non-commutative with the non-commutativity
determined by the spin content and C, P, and T properties of the examined
representation space. Therefore, in a physically successful SR2, the notion of
spacetime is expected to be deeply intertwined with specific properties of the
test particle.Comment: Int. J. Mod. Phys. D (in press). Extended version of a set of two
informal lectures given in "La Sapienza" (Rome, May 2001
Twisting kappa-deformed phase space
We briefly discuss the twisting procedure applied to the -deformed
space-time. It appears that one can consider only two kinds of such twistings:
in space and time directions. For both types of twisitngs we introduce related
phase spaces and consider briefly their properties. We discuss in detail the
changes of duality relations under the action of twist. The Jordanian twisted
space-time and phase space in D=2 are also commented.Comment: LaTeX, 18 pages, revised version, accepted for publication in Journal
of Physics
New varying speed of light theories
We review recent work on the possibility of a varying speed of light (VSL).
We start by discussing the physical meaning of a varying , dispelling the
myth that the constancy of is a matter of logical consistency. We then
summarize the main VSL mechanisms proposed so far: hard breaking of Lorentz
invariance; bimetric theories (where the speeds of gravity and light are not
the same); locally Lorentz invariant VSL theories; theories exhibiting a color
dependent speed of light; varying induced by extra dimensions (e.g. in the
brane-world scenario); and field theories where VSL results from vacuum
polarization or CPT violation. We show how VSL scenarios may solve the
cosmological problems usually tackled by inflation, and also how they may
produce a scale-invariant spectrum of Gaussian fluctuations, capable of
explaining the WMAP data. We then review the connection between VSL and
theories of quantum gravity, showing how ``doubly special'' relativity has
emerged as a VSL effective model of quantum space-time, with observational
implications for ultra high energy cosmic rays and gamma ray bursts. Some
recent work on the physics of ``black'' holes and other compact objects in VSL
theories is also described, highlighting phenomena associated with spatial (as
opposed to temporal) variations in . Finally we describe the observational
status of the theory. The evidence is currently slim -- redshift dependence in
the atomic fine structure, anomalies with ultra high energy cosmic rays, and
(to a much lesser extent) the acceleration of the universe and the WMAP data.
The constraints (e.g. those arising from nucleosynthesis or geological bounds)
are tight, but not insurmountable. We conclude with the observational
predictions of the theory, and the prospects for its refutation or vindication.Comment: Final versio
Quantum Spacetime Phenomenology
I review the current status of phenomenological programs inspired by
quantum-spacetime research. I stress in particular the significance of results
establishing that certain data analyses provide sensitivity to effects
introduced genuinely at the Planck scale. And my main focus is on
phenomenological programs that managed to affect the directions taken by
studies of quantum-spacetime theories.Comment: 125 pages, LaTex. This V2 is updated and more detailed than the V1,
particularly for quantum-spacetime phenomenology. The main text of this V2 is
about 25% more than the main text of the V1. Reference list roughly double